Over time, even the most powerful computer can get bogged down by unwanted programs and files that consume resources and bring the machine's operation to a crawl. Viruses and malware can also impact performance and expose your personal information to cybercriminals, so giving the system a spring-cleaning is always a good idea. Below are a few tips for clearing out unnecessary data, as well as signs you might need help from a computer repair professional.

How Do You Clean Out a Personal Computer?

1. Sort Through Files

Organizing files and deleting old documents might be one of the most tedious computer maintenance tasks, but it can dramatically speed up a system. If your device has a full hard drive, it may not have the resources to run large programs or efficiently save new data.

You might be surprised at how much data is in the downloads folder, so go through each file and decide which ones you want or need to keep. Deleting unnecessary pictures, old documents, and outdated programs can free up gigabytes of space and speed up your computer's operations.

2. Run the Disk Cleanup Tool

Disk cleanup is an automatic Windows® tool that eliminates temporary files and Java® applets, or web browser programs, that can take up a lot of space and slow down a computer. If you're using Windows 10, look under “Settings,” and click on “Storage.” Find “This PC,” choose your hard drive, then click “Delete Temporary Files.” 

This process will make web browsing faster, but you should only delete files if you know what they do. Most dynamic link library, or DLL, files are necessary for an operating system to run normally.

3. Scan for Viruses

If your antivirus software is out of date, install an upgrade, and run a full system scan. Schedule automatic checks at least once a week and enable automatic updates to keep the computer protected. Some viruses are extremely persistent, and they can’t fully be removed with even the best software. If your computer is running slow or antivirus programs keep finding the same virus, take the machine to a computer repair specialist as soon as possible.

Whether you’re dealing with an annoying virus or your hard drive has crashed, the knowledgeable professionals at Experimax Gilbert offer dependable computer repairs to keep your device running smoothly. They boast an extensive range of services with incredibly fast turnarounds and reliable results. They offer repairs for Windows, Android®, and Apple® products, including iPhones® and Macbooks®. Visit them online for more on their computer repair services, or call (480) 534-7596 to make an appointment. Follow them on Facebook for tips and updates.